The Los Angeles Rams are easily the most formidable team on paper going into the 2018 NFL season. This is thanks in large part due to the signing of a number of star players on defense. Among them is defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
The Rams now boast perhaps the most ferocious interior 1-2 punch in the league with Suh and defensive tackle Aaron Donald now paired up. According to Cameron DaSilva of the RamsWire, running back Todd Gurley is excited about getting the first crack at the new tandem:
“Well, they’re going to save my legs a little bit because I’m not gonna be able to run through the hole quite as fast,” Gurley said recently. “But it’s good just to be able to go against guys like that, pick their brains and try to see their skill sets. But for the most part, AD’s always wreaking havoc. Take three steps and he’s back there and I just kind of gotta, like, simulate a running play on my own after that.”
Gurley has had the benefit of going against a quality defense for some time now. However, it is safe to assume that things have been kicked up a notch this offseason. Needless to say, there are tremendous benefits for Gurley having to get used to going against a worthy opponent. In this case, it comes in the form of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowler. That said, it seems the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is looking to take his game to another level as well.
However, Gurley will not be the only one on offense that will be battling with those on defense. The acquisition of All-Pro cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib means quarterback Jared Goff and the wide receivers are going to have to step it up as well. This is one of the many benefits of having such a collective group of talent.
